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Messham, Gordon

Gordon was born in the March Qtr of 1893, registered in Chester (Vol. 8a, Page 440)

He  was first recorded on a census in 1901 living with his  family in Pentrobin, Hawarden. Edward 53 was a coalminer. His wife, Mary Ellen was 51. Their children were listed as follows.   Edward James 24,  and Percy 22, were both Colliery Fillers.  Joseph, 17 was a General Labourer.  Hugh, 13, Maud, 11,  Gordon, 8 and  Stanley, 3  completed the family.  There was a Lodger, John Jenkins, 40, a Farm Bailiff.

The 1911 census finds the family living at Dobs Hill, Hawarden. Edward was still head of the household, 63 and still a Coal Miner.  His wife of 41 years,  Mary Ellen, 61 had borne 15 children, 2 of whom had died. The children at home were listed as  Hugh, 23  Coal Miner (Hewer), Maud, 21,  a “Domestic”,  Gordon, 18 was a Coal Miner Jugger,  Stanley 13  and Leigh 8 were  at school.  Percy 31 was a widower and a Coal Miner Drifter. Gladys, 8 and John 6 were at school

UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk  confirms his regimental information and tells us that his residence was Hawarden and he enlisted in Buckley. His medal card also on ‘Ancestry’  details his medals and tells us that his first  Theatre of War was France and he entered it on the 24th December 1915.   The word  ‘Dead’ was written on his card.

Gordon was the younger brother to Percy Messham,  Percy also lost his life in the War (he died in 1916) and has his own page on this website.  Please follow the link to  read his story. Gordon died on the 21st August 1917. Both of the Messham parents – Edward and Mary Ellen died that same year.

Stanley Messham  another brother also served in the War. He was in The Welsh Guards (5691). His Service Records have survived and are accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk

UK Register of Soldier’s Effects in which the army calculated what moneys were owed to deceased soldiers includes an entry for Gordon Messham. It confirms he was killed in action. His sole legatee was his brother Leigh, who received a total of £21..15sh .. 7d in three separate payments.


Learn more about the other soldiers on the Hawarden Memorial

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